AUBURN, Alabama -- The pieces are in place, and now Bruce Pearl is working to see how they fit in his scheme.

A handful of newcomers, including four prospects recruited by Pearl's staff since his arrival in March, are on campus participating in offseason workouts and practices. Included in the group is power forward Cinmeon Bowers, the nation's top junior college player, and guard Antoine Mason, the nation's leading returning scorer from Niagara.

"My first impression is I'm excited," the Auburn coach said Monday.

Bowers arrived on campus last week. The former Florida State commitment, standing at 6-foot-7, averaged 12.8 points and 9 rebounds at Chipola College.

"Obviously he can be a dominant rebounder," Pearl said. "He likes to rebound. He can face the basket and draw you away but he also gets paid in the paint. He likes being there and he likes to find contact."

Former Niagara guard Antoine Mason is the nation's top returning scorer. (Niagara Athletics)

Mason and Bowers share a common trait on the court, too: they love contact. Pearl expects the duo to lead the Tigers in free throws attempted next season as the new-look roster, along with their leading returning scorer KT Harrell, prepares for Pearl's debut season on the Plains.

"Mason will get to the rim, he'll get in the lane and he can score," Pearl said. "He'll get to the foul line. They're both physical players, which is something we lacked."

Mason averaged 25.6 points last season at Niagara, and is immediately eligible with one season to play.

Bowers and Mason are participating in workouts with fellow newcomers Kareem Canty, Jack Purchase and TJ Lang on Auburn's campus. Coaches are allowed to work with the players two hours each week during the summer.

Canty will sit out a season after transferring to Auburn from Marshall.

Auburn is still awaiting word on K.C. Ross-Miller, a transfer from New Mexico State, and freshman signee Sam Logwood.

No matter the upcoming additions, Bowers could be the centerpiece to the Tigers' roster.

"He's got an SEC body, he's got a physical presence and if you look at the three most physical teams in our league last year, all three of those teams were in the NCAA Tournament: Kentucky, Florida and Tennessee," Pearl said.